A bold call by French President Emmanuel Macaron on Tuesday for the creation of a unified European army during a radio interview marking the centennial of the First World War.
In his statement to Radio Europe 1, McCron called for the creation of what he called "a real European army" to defend the continent, which may have to confront major powers such as Russia, China and even the United States.
This is not the first time McCron has called for the creation of European military forces to defend Europe. These calls have been repeated since US President Donald Trump came to power two years ago.
McCron said that Europe should limit its reliance on American power, especially after Trump's decision to withdraw from a joint agreement with Russia to limit nuclear weapons, which Washington and Moscow had reached in the 1980s, and Trump called for European countries in NATO more spending and increase its contribution to NATO.
"We have to protect ourselves against China, Russia and even the United States," McCron told the radio, warning of the return of "authoritarian forces" that could rearm at European borders. According to AFP.
"When I see President Trump announcing his withdrawal from a major disarmament agreement concluded after the missile crisis in Europe in the 1980s, who will be the main victim? Europe and its security," he said. "We will not protect the Europeans unless we decide to have a real European army."
He pointed out that Russia is on the border with Europe, and stressed that it is a "threat" and that Europe must defend itself better, and more sovereign, calling on European countries not only rely on the United States.
He said that the period of Europe during the past seven decades represents a golden historical era, but pointed out that these seven contracts represent the exception rather than the rule. "For thousands of years, this has not lasted for such a long time."
Last year, the European Union set up a multi-billion-dollar defense fund to develop Europe's military capabilities and make the continent more strategically independent.
